Contact Us

Office

Curtiss 112

Hours

Fall and Winter
Monday, Thursday & Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday
8 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the Student has a real disability?

Assistance is available at SVSU to qualified students who have provided adequate documentation.[See Admissions and Documentation page] Disability verification is the sole responsibility of the Office of Disability Services. If you receive a letter from the Office of Disability Services, the student's disability has been documented and is real.

What am I required to do?

This will vary depending on the disability. Good teaching techniques help all students. (See Universal Design ) If the student is eligible for services, you will receive written notification. Faculty are expected to communicate effectively with all students and provide auxiliary aids and services.

When is an Accommodation Unreasonable?

If requested accommodations alter requirements that are essential to the program of instruction; cause fundamental alteration in the nature of the program; impose undue financial or administrative burden; or pose an appreciable threat to personal or public safety, the accommodation is unreasonable. Objectives of the class do not have to be changed and standards do not have to be lowered. If you believe the request is unreasonable, please discuss the facts with the department chair and contact the Office of Disability Services.

Why can't I know the specific disability?

Information concerning the nature of the student's disability will be kept confidential and disclosed to faculty only with a legitimate "need to know". Sharing of information with other faculty and staff needs to be balanced with the student's best interest while maintaining their privacy.

Is it fair?

By removing barriers we are allowing all students an equal opportunity to achieve intellectual and personal growth, SVSU's primary mission. For each student, the means necessary to learn may be different, but the goal is the same: to learn and obtain the quality education SVSU offers.

What are auxiliary aids and services?

Services are individualized based on documentation provided. You may be asked to provide printed material in large font or electronically; to provide alternative testing arrangements; alternative assignments; or captioned videos. (See Faculty Responsibilities for more details)